Queens of the Stone Age (QOTSA)

An American rock band formed in 1996 in Seattle by guitarist and vocalist Josh Homme following the dissolution of his previous band, Kyuss. Initially named Gamma Ray, the group was soon renamed Queens of the Stone Age. Their self-titled debut album was released in 1998, recorded almost entirely by Homme, with Alfredo Hernández on drums. In 2000, the band released "Rated R," which brought their first wave of commercial success, particularly with the single "The Lost Art of Keeping a Secret." The 2002 album "Songs for the Deaf" marked a breakthrough, featuring Dave Grohl on drums and hits like "No One Knows" and "Go with the Flow." Subsequent albums "Lullabies to Paralyze" (2005) and "Era Vulgaris" (2007) showcased the band's experimental approach and collaborations with various musicians. After a hiatus, the band released "...Like Clockwork" in 2013, their first album to top the Billboard 200 chart, earning three Grammy nominations. This was followed by "Villains" in 2017 and "In Times New Roman..." in 2023, the latter receiving a Grammy nomination for Best Rock Album. The current lineup includes Josh Homme, Troy Van Leeuwen, Michael Shuman, Dean Fertita, and Jon Theodore. Queens of the Stone Age are known for their unique style, blending elements of stoner rock, alternative rock, and experimental sounds, as well as collaborations with artists like Mark Lanegan, Dave Grohl, and Elton John. The band has received critical acclaim and has been nominated for nine Grammy Awards, including Best Rock Album and Best Hard Rock Performance.